The role of Fido will be played by some lucky family’s pooch
ORLANDO, FL – Monday, April 11, 2022 – There’s only one thing that could make Artistic Director Jorden Morris’ newest ballet, “The Great Gatsby” even greater and that’s a little dog. While the cast of dancers is in place for Gatsby’s Orlando premiere this month, one important role remains open – that of Fido, whose name represents fidelity, one of the critical themes in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s iconic tale.
Therefore, Orlando Ballet will host its first-ever “IN-PUPPY” audition this week to find one, small, special canine with star power. This is not a speaking part, and no one will be commanded to “sit” or “rollover.” But whoever fetches the role will have a moment in the spotlight and in the arms of a lovely ballet dancer.
And just like professional dancers, all dogs must audition and be able to meet the demands of the role. Pups to be considered must:
- Weigh no more than 10 pounds
- Be well-behaved and comfortable with noise and lights
- Be comfortable being carried by others
- Be current on all vaccines
The audition is a choreographed, two-step process that starts with social media and concludes with a live audition before Morris and a selection panel. The best in showing his or her stuff will be rewarded with the role and two tickets for his or human family to attend The Great Gatsby performance.
Audition Schedule:
- Friday, April 15 – Audition Call will post on Orlando Ballet’s Facebook and Instagram sites
- Friday, April 15 to midnight Tuesday, April 19 – Submissions will be accepted in the form of photos or videos of auditioning dogs, and they should be tagged @orlandoballet and #doggydebut either as a story or a post on Facebook or Instagram.
- Wednesday, April 20 – Orlando Ballet will announce the finalists
- Friday, April 22 – LIVE, IN-PUPPY Audition at Harriett’s Orlando Ballet Centre.
- *Media will be invited to sit and stay
Commissioned nearly four years ago by Pittsburgh Ballet, Morris spent 18 months working with renowned composer Carl Davis to create an original and compelling jazz-infused musical score, that enriches this story of lavish living during the time of prohibition. Conducted by Julian Pellicano, live orchestral music has been made possible by the generosity of the Elizabeth Morse Genius Foundation. Pellicano is currently the Associate Conductor of the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra and Principal Conductor of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet in Winnipeg, Canada.
“I’m so excited to present Gatsby during my first season as Artistic Director with Orlando Ballet, and having a little fun with the production makes it even more special,” Morris said. “Auditions are always interesting; this will surely be that.”
About Orlando Ballet:
Founded in 1974, Orlando Ballet is Central Florida’s only fully residential professional ballet company. Orlando Ballet produces year-round main stage productions at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts and Harriett’s Orlando Ballet Centre, featuring timeless masterpieces and innovative contemporary world premieres, achieving the highest level of professionalism and artistic excellence. Orlando Ballet promotes dance education through community enrichment programs, performance lecture demonstrations, the renowned Orlando Ballet School, and Orlando Ballet II, a second pre-professional company to train and support dancers as they approach the start of their dance careers. For information about Orlando Ballet, please visit our website at OrlandoBallet.org.
